Michigan High School Football: Harper Woods outlasts Saline behind Dakota Guerrant

Two of Michigan's top high school football programs put their undefeated records on the line in a high-profile matchup Friday night, finishing in eighth place. Harper Woods took number 12 saline solution.

Star junior receiver Dakota Guerrant made the opening and closing statement for Harper Woods with a huge 41-32 victory. He finished with three touchdowns, including a 99-yard kick return in the first quarter and a clutch catch in the end zone to seal the win in the fourth.

Holding a 34-32 lead while attempting to ice the game, the Pioneers found themselves in an interesting situation. Fourth goal and less than three minutes to play, senior defenseman Nate Rochello threw a fade into the right corner of the end zone. Guerran rose and scored a superb touchdown to help his team go up by nine points.

Saleen, captained by senior defenseman. Tommy Carragain tried to quickly cut the lead to one possession, but a missed field goal left the Hornets in the red and their first loss of the season. Carr threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another in a go-ahead effort in the second half.

The first half was methodical on both sides. After the break, all hell broke loose.

Carson Cherry scored for the first touchdown of the night as Saleen took a 7-0 lead. That didn't last long, however, as Guerran made his presence felt immediately with a follow-up kick 99 yards toward home.

The Pioneers finished the first half strong thanks to a pair of red zone touchdowns from the junior running back. Mekhi Jones. Sahlin's offense forced a field goal after the first half, but it was kept in check for the remainder of the half. Carr is stuck Lincoln Keyesfour star Georgia commit to set up a big gain leading to a possible field goal, but those pieces of play were difficult to find early on for the Hornets. Harper Woods led 21-10 at halftime.

Things were getting out of control for Salina early in the second half as Harper Woods quickly made it 28-10 on an impressive run by the sophomore wide receiver. DeAndre Biddenwho placed one from about 50 yards away. However, the Hornets weren't about to go down quietly.

Carr made the most of the broken play and found Case, who quickly broke into open space and rushed for the long touchdown. Salin quickly returned the ball after a forced kick and Miami (Ohio) Commit hit Keys from 14 yards out and scored again quickly. Heading into the fourth quarter, Harper Woods' lead stood at 28-25.

The Pioneers finally stopped the onslaught and mounted an attack of their own in the second half. With about eight minutes remaining, Guerran intercepted the ball and rushed for a 3-yard touchdown to bring Harper Woods' lead back to two points, although it failed to convert the two-point conversion.

Carr, Notre Dame's younger brother, is a starting QB. C.J. Carrdidn't show any way out all night. He helped Sahlin drive down the field on the ensuing drive and flew through what looked like a depleted Harper Woods defense for a huge 21-yard touchdown to put the Hornets within two.

It turned out to be the last gasp for Saleen as Harper Woods' top drive ended with a dagger TD reception from Guerrant. The Pioneers remain undefeated at 7-0 and will return to action next Friday at home against Ferndale. Now the score is 6-1, Salin are the hosts Bedford next week.

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